Something for everyone at Sternwheel fest

From Bee Gees to Elvis to The Stones, entertainment will run the gamut

August 20, 2011

With less than three weeks until Marietta's signature event, Ohio River Sternwheel Festival committee members have been busy nailing down the final details, including entertainment.

Festival Director General Cheri Seevers said this year's three-day festival will feature a variety of musical acts and a fitting fireworks tribute to the festival's co-creator, Harry Robinson, who died earlier this year.

"There will be some surprises in the fireworks show," Seevers said. "Just some fitting tributes to Harry as well as recognizing the anniversary of Sept. 11."

Seevers said Friday's musical headliner is rising country music star Jason Michael Carroll. The night will also include tribute band Stayin' Alive -One Night of the Bee Gees.

Moss Run resident Julie Hughes, 49, said she is looking forward to the opening night.

"I love Sternwheel and look forward to it every year," she said. "I know a few Jason Michael Carroll tunes and I really like them. And the Bee Gees were big when I was graduating high school, so that will be fun, too."

Fact Box

Sept. 9:

6 p.m. opening ceremonies.

7 p.m. Steve and Beverly Pottmeyer.

8 p.m. Stayin' Alive - One Night of the Bee Gees.

9:30 p.m. Jason Michael Carroll.

Sept. 10:

11:30 a.m. Introduction of Queen candidates.

Noon: Marietta High School Wall of Sound.

12:30 p.m. Jason Allwood Band.

1 p.m. Monday Calling.

2 p.m. Jason Allwood Band.

3 p.m. Justin Gutberlet.

4 p.m. Plan B.

5 p.m. The Chase.

6 p.m. Monday Calling.

7 p.m. Coronation and recognition of past queens.

7:30 p.m. The Chase.

8:30 p.m. Mike Albert and The Big "E" Band.

9:30 p.m. Harry J. Robinson Memorial Fireworks.

10 p.m. Mike Albert and The Big "E" Band.

Sept. 11:

8 a.m. Sunrise service.

9 a.m. Car show registration.

10 a.m. Alfie and Omegas.

11 a.m. Jennifer Simmons.

Sept. 11

Noon: South of the River Band.

1 p.m. Captain James E Sands Memorial Races.

2 p.m. South of the River Band.

2:30 p.m. Satisfaction: "The International Rollings Stones Show"

A couple of Carroll's more popular hits include "Alyssa Lies" and "I Can Sleep When I'm Dead."

Saturday's schedule packs in a full-day of music and events, including the annual fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

"The fireworks were the one thing that was very important to Harry when he basically started all of this back in 1976," Seevers said. "This was his dream and we're proud to put on one of the best fireworks shows around."

Sunday's events are set to include more music, a car show and the annual sternwheel races. Nearly 30 sternwheelers have indicated they'll be coming to Marietta for the festival. Also, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Osage, homeported in Sewickley, Penn., will be in Marietta for tours. The Osage, a 65-foot inland river tender that pushes a 100-foot barge, has an area of responsibility that covers the Allegheny, Monongahela, Ohio, Kanawha and Big Sandy rivers in and throughout the Pittsburgh area.

The 90 volunteers who make up the sternwheel committee solicit donations, sponsorships and conduct fund raisers each year to raise the $140,000 to put on the free event for the city each year.

"It gets harder and harder every year," Seevers said.

Donations will be accepted during the festival.

Seevers said additional Sept. 11 tributes are planned for the Sunday of the festival, but had not been finalized.